Bushra Bibi moves IHC for better prison facilities

Listen to article

Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan and former first lady, has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking better facilities at Adiala Jail, where she is currently serving a seven-year sentence in the £190 million case.

Through her lawyers, Bushra Bibi filed a petition requesting the court to direct jail authorities to provide improved amenities under the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.

In her plea, the former first lady stated that she had resided in the Prime Minister House during her husband's tenure and, owing to her previous lifestyle and public status, was legally entitled to certain comforts and facilities in prison.

The petition alleged that despite submitting a formal request to the Adiala Jail superintendent, no action was taken.

It further argued that her husband, Imran Khan, was also declared eligible for improved jail conditions while detained in the same facility. She asked the court to instruct the authorities to fulfil their legal responsibilities in a similar manner.

Bushra Bibi has named the federal government, the superintendent of Adiala Jail, and the chief commissioner of Islamabad as respondents in the case.

What is the £190 million case?

The case alleges that Imran Khan and others involved adjusted Rs50 billion—equivalent to £190 million at the time—that was transferred by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government.

As PM, Khan obtained cabinet approval for this settlement on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the confidential details of the agreement. The arrangement had stipulated that the funds would be submitted to the Supreme Court.

According to NAB officials, Khan and his wife received land worth billions of rupees intended for the construction of an educational institute.

NAB filed the reference on December 1, 2023 against eight accused persons including Imran and his wife.